Since September 1, 2026, a new Penal Code is in effect in Belgium. In line with this, the City of Menen has updated its General Police Ordinance (APV). This regulation contains local rules for various matters, including nuisance and public order. Most changes are technical, but some rules are now more clearly formulated.
Regarding vandalism, the APV now distinguishes between a minor offense and vandalism causing serious damage, or to property of special value, which is considered a serious offense. For both, the city can issue a GAS fine (municipal administrative sanction), or the public prosecutor can prosecute.
Nuisance behavior is also described more precisely in the APV. This includes, among other things, throwing objects or substances at someone, or soiling people or property. The rules on noise nuisance have also been rewritten for clarity, with a separate regulation for night noise, including fixed times and examples of prohibited actions. Exceptions are provided for activities with a permit, urgent interventions by emergency services, and certain economic activities.
A notable new rule is the possibility to place the urn of a pet. Under certain conditions, the urn containing the ashes of a cremated pet may be interred in a concession at a municipal cemetery. A concession is a grave or niche rented for a specific period.
Furthermore, references to the old Penal Code have been updated to the new numbering, and the rules for GAS mediation now follow the new federal legislation. For the residents of Menen, little practically changes regarding this last adjustment.
